Change in attitude sparks change in position for Tivoli

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Tivoli's Tevin Shaw loses his balance as he is tackled by Reno FC's Kavar Walker in a Red Stripe Premier League game at the Frome Sports Ground on November 20, 2016. Tivoli Gardens FC won the contest 2-1.

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Coach of Tivoli Gardens men's senior team Omar Edwards says that a change in attitude has led to the team moving on top in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) title race.

Tivoli are currently in pole position in the nation's elite league on 42 points, the same as reigning champions Montego Bay United (MBU). However, Tivoli enjoy a superior goal difference.

The West Kingston-based outfit took control following a 1-0 win against MBU in a top clash at Wes Pow Park last Sunday.

"Basically, on going to Tivoli last summer, I let the players know what we want to achieve as a team working together," Edwards told STAR Sports.

"Maybe the attitude wasn't the best, so that had to change. My coaching staff sold the players a vision on how to win the league. We want to be the best organised team on the defensive and offensive end of the pitch," he shared.

"I came here to give off my best for the team. I have displayed reasonable system of play which are paying off," the 32-year-old, who is also Jamaica Under-17 assistant coach, added.

"We had some quality players at Tivoli, and also added others such as Tevin Shaw and Marvin Stewart at the start of the season. We also brought in Peter Keyes, Jermaine Parris and Denham Town High schoolboy Arthur Walters during the January transfer window.

"We have a competent team that stands a chance of winning the league. The players have been highly motivated since the win against MBU," Edwards added.

With regards to support from management, Edwards says that despite financial constraint, they are fully behind the team.

"The club is unable to attract sponsors, so the players are not getting the salary they want, but we had to find a way to keep the players motivated. We promised the players incentives from the winnings at the end of the season, and they are going for it," he concluded.